Police Chief George Crum provided an overview of the proposed Vehicle Tow Service Franchise Ordinance. The following points were presented:
Policy Discussion and Staffs Recommendations
City Attorney's recommendations
Contract History
Operational Changes Proposed in the New Tow Agreement
History of Incurred Costs, Revenue Collected, Franchise Fees, Franchise Fee Per Operator, and Total Paid by Franchisees
Annual Tows
Operator Performance
Proposed Franchise Fee for FY 2023/2024
Coachella Valley Cities Tow Programs
Jesse Mojica, Mohica Towing, stated that he does not have a problem with the City having multiple tow companies as long as they are required to have a tow yard within the City. He stated that he has the equipment to move heavy equipment, however, there is a fee. He expressed his concern of the cost to operate.
Jared Mojica, Mohica Towing, expressed his concerns with the proposed ordinance as presented and provided some suggested changes. He also expressed his concern with some of the figures presented. He feels there needs to be a tow agreement in place, but not at the proposed rates.
Joel Mojica, Mohica Towing, feels the city will need to do an RFP specifically for tow and storage of vehicles for evidence. He expressed concern with the inability to see the rotation list, like he is able to do on the CHP website.
Myles Bois, Southwest Towing, expressed his concern with comments made about fees they did not pay in previous years. He expressed his embarrassment for the calls for service his company has missed and feels the Police Department should have reached out to them. He also expressed his concern with extending the ETA to 30 minutes, which he feels will be problematic. He also feels having a tow yard within the City should be a requirement. He also expressed his concern with the figures presented.
The City Council provided their feedback and asked clarifying questions which were responded to by staff. After discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to bring back a proposed ordinance for consideration, that includes options for full cost recovery, and no formal requirement that operators have a tow yard within the City limits, but to give preference to those operators that are closer to the City limits.